Forex issue affects rice project

THE installation of a rice mill in Eastern Highlands’ rice project is still facing delays by at least a month now because of foreign exchange issue.
China’s Changzhou International Trading Co Ltd managing director Steve Li said they remained committed to Governor Peter Numu’s desire to finally commercialise its 20-year Dryland rice project. Last November, the EHP government signed a purchasing agreement for the K300,000 rice milling machine installation and training of locals.
“Currently, because of the foreign currency exchange issue with the PNG bank side, the process has been delayed,” Li said.
“We have maintained close communication and coordination with the EHP government, who has done a lot of work in ensuring the shipment and installation of the assembly.
“I believe, with efforts from both sides, especially the support and cooperation from the EHP government, things will be smoothed out soon.”
The machines, when installed, will be used to mill the 50 hectares of Dryland rice scatted in six districts with six cooperatives in the province.
Numu, earlier said the provincial government company, Nokondi Investment Ltd, owns 40 per cent and 60 per cent is owned by cooperatives.
“It is 100 per cent owned by the people of Eastern Highlands.”
Numu said the main districts that could grow rice were Henganofi, Goroka, Daulo, Unggai-Bena, Kainantu and Lufa.
He said the installation of the mill equipment marked the beginning of the national government’s focus on stopping the importation of rice.
“We are taking the step to implement what the government wants under the vision.”